Trincao played 43 games for FC Barcelona and registered 3 goals and 2 assists. The youngster had the opportunity to share the dressing room with La Pulga but eventually moved away from the club to Sporting Lisbon. In an interview with Relevo Deportes, he revealed his interactions with Messi and how he was influenced by him.
Messi was with you in Barcelona. How was it like living with him?
Trincão: “There was something that was a bit strange at the beginning. In the culture of Argentina and Uruguay, people kiss each other when they greet each other. I arrived in Barcelona and Messi greeted me with a kiss and he kissed me every morning. It was a bit strange at first, then I got used to it, but in the first two weeks it was strange for me, but Messi is a person like us, he is the same as us.”
How was Messi in the dressing room as a captain?
Trincão: “Messi was very calm, he was an example. He helped us on the pitch, he would tell us where to be, where to stand and where to move. He would tell you things and you would listen to him because you knew what he was saying was right. Messi understood the game very well and when he told you something, he was very calm.”
The youngster was also inquired about how it was when he had to leave the Blaugrana for sporting Lisbon.
What was it like when you left Barcelona?
Trincão: “It’s always difficult, if I had stayed I could have had more opportunities there because it was the year Messi left and I could have played more. But I don’t think it changed me much, I never reached the point of doubting myself after leaving Barcelona.”
Did you lack the maturity to play for Barcelona?Would you have changed that to take a step down?
Trincão: “Being 20 years old and a club like Barcelona coming and telling you they want you, I don’t think anyone can say no and that you have to take a step down. I wouldn’t have said no to Barcelona, but maturity comes with time.”